The Godfather (Part I)

The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is a 1972 Oscar-winning American crime-epic. The film was based on Mario Puzo’s novel of the same name. Credited by many as having one of the best casts ever, it starred Marlon Brando in the title role of the Italian-American, New York-based Crime Boss,  Vito Corleone – the “Don”, or “the Godfather” – and Al Pacino as the leading character, Michael Corleone. The Godfather has had a lasting impact on the film industry. It is frequently cited as the best film ever made and features in the Top 10 of lists of the same name. It’s success spawned two sequels (the Godfather II and III), which were both highly acclaimed. On IMDB’s list of the Top 250 films ever, the Godfather and the Godfather II are ranked as 2nd and 3rd respectively.

The film mostly focuses on the life of Michael Corleone, son of the Don, who is a reluctant outsider to the ‘family business’ of crime. When the violence between New York’s mobster-families grows out of hand, Michael is drawn in to the business. Unwittingly, Michael finds himself becoming entangled in events until eventually he emerges as the ruthless leader of the Corleone family business. The acting in the film is outstanding, but particular credit must be given to the exceptional portrayals of the Don, by the incomparable Marlon Brando, and Michael, by the outstanding Al Pacino.

The film was an inspiring success and for a time the highest-grossing film of all time. It was nominated for 10 Oscars and won three: Best Picture, Best Actor (for Brando) and Best Adapted Screenplay. The Godfather  has gone on to have a lasting impact on cinema. It’s sympathetic portrayal of mobsters as characters with real psychological depth made it stunningly original in the genre of crime films. It’s penultimate scene – the christening – has gone down in legend and was notably pastiched in George Lucas’ Star Wars III, when Anakin joins the Sith and the Jedi are assassinated. Several quotes have also gone down in legend, such as the Don’s: “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse”, which was voted one of the most memorable quotes in the history of cinema. Many of the films scenes have been parodied in other films – not even films of the genre – and across TV, such as in the Simpsons – which is a testimony to its influence and awesomeness.

Wisdom from the Dalai Lama

Today’s inspiring quote comes from the 14th Dalai Lama, the Buddhist Spiritual Leader and author of many notable works, including The Art of Happiness.

“I think human beings are the superior sentient beings on this planet. Humans have the potential not only to create happy lives for themselves, but also to help other beings. We have a natural creative ability and it is very important to realise this.” – Dalai Lama (XIV)

On Making a Difference – Quote #25

This inspiring and humorous quote comes from the 14th Dalai Lama, the Buddhist Spiritual Leader and author of many notable works, including The Art of Happiness.

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito” – Dalai Lama (XIV)

On Fishes & Trees

This inspiring quote comes from the one-and-only Albert Einstein, the Nobel-Prize winning physicist who revolutionised modern science, was voted TIME’s Man of the Century and whose name has become synonymous with ingenuity.

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.” – Albert Einstein

There is a widely-held belief – clearly shared by Einstein – that everybody is uniquely talented and has the potential to greatly influence the world through realising this talent. Unfortunately, not everybody does, because – as the quote implies – people are judged across a narrow spectrum of abilities and are given a false impression of their worth. That said, many people have become successful and influential regardless of the way they were judged when they were younger and as their careers began and developed. It was and is just a matter of embracing your core genius.

The Mudskipper may fairly be exempted from Einstein’s idea. Mudskippers are actually very good at climbing trees. How awesome is that?